Scientists have observed two Rice ’s whales off the coast of Corpus Christi , an unusual sighting of the endangered species in the western Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service said Wednesday that scientists spotted the two whales during an aerial survey on April 11. There are estimated to be fewer than 100 Rice ’s whales left, according to
Rice’s whales spend more time off Texas than previously thought. What to know about the species The commission, an independent federal agency tasked with conservation of marine mammals, said they estimate there are only 51 of the whales in existence. In February, said. Scientists were able to identify them as Rice’s whales due to the three ridges in front of their blowholes, the federal agency said. Rice’s whales are baleen whales, meaning that instead of teeth, they have filter-feeding systems in their mouths that act like a sieve, allowing them to engulf water and strain out their prey. They’re the only year-round resident baleen whales in the Gulf, according to the Marine Mammal Commission.
. While the species is similar to their close relatives, the Bryde's whale, genetic analyses determined that Rice's whale is a distinct species in the Gulf of Mexico, the commission said. The whales' biggest threats include vessel strikes, acoustic disturbance from seismic and oil and gas-related activities, entanglement in commercial fishing and aquaculture gear, marine debris and pollution from runoff or oil spills, the agency said.
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Commission Gulf Of Mexico Florida Corpus Christi Texas Mexico Mexican Bryde
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